The Red Moon territory was quiet that morning.
After the celebration the night before, most of the pack members were resting. Warriors who had fought in the battle slept in their homes while others continued light patrols around the borders. The mansion itself was unusually peaceful.
Hazel walked through the garden paths slowly, enjoying the calm air. The scent of flowers mixed with the cool morning breeze, and for the first time in weeks, she felt like things were finally settling.
Behind her, soft footsteps approached.
"Hazel, dear."
Hazel turned and smiled immediately.
"Gloria."
The elegant witch approached her with the same gentle expression she had always worn. Her dark cloak moved softly with the wind as she stopped beside Hazel.
"You look brighter today," Gloria said warmly.
Hazel chuckled softly. "I actually slept last night."
"That's good," Gloria replied kindly. "You've carried too much stress these past weeks."
Hazel nodded.
"Ryan and the others are inside planning patrol schedules again. Liam said they want to reinforce the borders just in case."
Gloria gave a thoughtful hum.
"That Alpha of yours is very protective."
Hazel smiled slightly.
"He just wants the pack safe."
Gloria studied Hazel's face for a moment before speaking again.
"Come walk with me," she said gently. "There's something beautiful I want to show you just outside the southern garden. A rare herb has grown there. It only appears after strong magical disturbances."
Hazel's curiosity immediately sparked.
"Really?"
"Yes," Gloria said softly. "You might find it interesting, especially with your… unique abilities."
Hazel nodded.
"Alright."
The two women began walking down the garden path together.
Neither of them noticed that the mansion guards were positioned farther away on the northern side of the grounds, leaving the southern gate unusually quiet.
They walked past the last row of rose bushes and approached the outer edge of the territory where the forest began.
Hazel slowed slightly.
"I've never come this far on this side," she said.
Gloria smiled calmly.
"That's why I wanted to show you."
They stepped beyond the garden gate.
Just a few steps into the tree line.
Hazel looked around curiously.
"I don't see any herb—"
Her sentence stopped.
Because suddenly three large figures stepped out from behind the trees.
Hazel froze.
They were warriors… but not from Red Moon.
And standing between them was a tall man with sharp features and cold eyes.
He wore dark clothing and carried himself with the quiet authority of a powerful Alpha.
Hazel's heart skipped.
"Who…?"
The man's lips curved slowly.
"So this is the famous Hazel McCall."
Hazel immediately turned to Gloria, confused.
"Gloria… what's going on?"
Gloria stepped forward calmly.
Her warm smile from earlier had faded into something colder.
Something calculating.
Hazel's stomach dropped.
"Gloria?"
The tall man stepped closer.
"I must thank you," he said smoothly, reaching for Gloria's hand.
Then he leaned down and kissed her cheek.
"Your cooperation is appreciated."
Hazel stared in disbelief.
"Cooperation…?"
Gloria turned toward her.
And for the first time since Hazel had met her…
There was no warmth in her eyes.
Only bitterness.
"You really believed I cared about you, didn't you?" Gloria said quietly.
Hazel's heart felt like it stopped.
"Gloria…?"
The witch's expression hardened.
"You took everything from my daughter."
Hazel shook her head slowly.
"I didn't—"
"Yes you did!" Gloria snapped.
Her calm mask completely shattered.
"My daughter Mila was destined for greatness!" she continued angrily. "She was meant to be Luna of the Red Moon pack!"
Hazel stared at her in shock.
Gloria's voice trembled with fury.
"But then you appeared. A pathetic little human girl… and suddenly the Alpha chose you."
Hazel's chest tightened.
"You think I wanted any of this?" she whispered.
Gloria laughed bitterly.
"You don't deserve Ryan Smith. Mila does."
She stepped aside slightly, gesturing toward the Alpha beside her.
"This is Alpha Justin."
Justin gave Hazel a slow, satisfied smile.
"I've been wanting to meet the Eclipse Heir."
Hazel's pulse began racing.
"You sold me?" she whispered to Gloria.
Gloria lifted her chin.
"In exchange for something far more valuable."
Justin placed a hand on Gloria's shoulder.
"My dear Gloria will soon have her daughter back."
Hazel's stomach twisted.
Gloria continued coldly.
"Once Mila is released, she will take her rightful place."
Her eyes burned with resentment.
"Mila will become the Luna of Red Moon."
"And Ryan will realize she is the only one worthy of him."
Hazel's voice came out shaky.
"You're insane."
Justin chuckled.
"Perhaps."
He stepped closer to Hazel.
"But you, my dear… are very valuable."
Hazel instinctively stepped back.
But the warriors behind her blocked her path.
Justin nodded to them.
"Take her."
Hazel struggled as the rogues grabbed her arms.
"Ryan will find me!" she shouted.
Justin smirked.
"I hope he tries."
He turned back toward Gloria.
"Thank you again."
He leaned down and kissed her briefly.
Hazel watched the moment in disbelief.
The woman she trusted…
The woman who comforted her…
Had just betrayed her.
As the rogues dragged Hazel deeper into the forest, Gloria watched silently.
For a brief moment, something flickered in her eyes.
But it vanished just as quickly.
And Hazel disappeared into the shadows.
Back at the Red Moon mansion…
Ryan suddenly stopped walking in the hallway.
His hand moved to his chest.
A sharp pain shot through him.
Liam noticed immediately.
"What's wrong?"
Ryan's expression darkened.
"The bond…"
Nick frowned.
"What about it?"
Ryan's voice was low.
"Something's wrong with Hazel."
And suddenly…
The peace of Red Moon shattered again.